Seismic Conceptual

Seismic Conceptual Design of Buildings Basic principles
for engineers, architects, building owners,

and authorities
Hugo Bachmann
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC)
Seismic Conceptual Design of Buildings Basic principles

for engineers, architects, building owners,
and authorities
Hugo Bachmann
Impressum
Editor:
Swiss Federal Office for Water and Geology

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Quoting:
Hugo Bachmann: Seismic Conceptual Design of

Buildings Basic principles for engineers, architects,
building owners, and authorities (Biel 2002, 81p.)
Available in french and german.
This publication is downloadable on the internet as
a pdf file at www.bwg.admin.ch
Design:
Brotbeck Corporate Design, Biel
Impression:
3000e
Order Number: 804.802 e

Adress:
BBL, Vertrieb Publikationen, CH-3003 Bern,

Internet: www.bbl.admin.ch/bundespublikationen
Copyright:
BWG, Biel, 2003
Authors Preface
For a long time earthquake risk was considered
unavoidable. It was accepted that buildings would be
damaged as a result of an earthquakes ground shaking. Preventive measures for earthquakes were therefore mostly limited to disaster management preparedness. Although measures related to construction
methods had already been proposed at the beginning
of the 20th century, it is only during the last decades
that improved and intensified research has revealed
how to effectively reduce the vulnerability of structures
to earthquakes.
The objective of this document is to present recent
knowledge on earthquake protection measures for
buildings in a simple and easy to understand manner.
Editors Preface
Worldwide earthquakes cause regularly large economic
losses - Kobe in 1995 with more than 6000 causalities,
counted for 100 Billion US$ of economic loss. Earthquakes are unavoidable. Reducing disaster risk is a top
priority not only for engineers and disaster managers,
but also for development planners and policy-makers
around the world. Disaster and risk reduction are an
essential part of sustainable development.
On December 11 2000, the Swiss Federal Council
approved for federal buildings a seven-point program
running from 2001 to 2004 for earthquake damage
prevention. The earthquake resistance of new
structures is a high priority in the Confederations
seven-point program. The author of this publication,
Professor Hugo Bachmann, has devoted many years to
the study of seismic risk and behavior of buildings
subjected to earthquakes. At the request of the
FOWG, which expresses its gratitude to him, he agreed
to make available his extensive scientific knowledge on
earthquake resistance of buildings. These guidelines
are designed to contribute to the transfer of research
results into building practice. These results must be
The chosen method explains basic principles by matching them with illustrations, examples, and an explanatory text. The principles, photographs (from the author
or third parties), and the texts are the result of a long
research and design activity in the challenging and
strongly evolving field of earthquake engineering.
The author would like to thank, above all, the numerous photographs contributors mentioned at the end of
the booklet, who have made available the results of
extensive and often dangerous efforts. Thanks are also
extended to the Federal Office for Water and Geology
and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation for editing and carefully printing this document.
Zurich, December 2002
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
taken into account by the design professionals, thus

ensuring a reasonable earthquake resistance for new
structures at little or no additional cost.
SDC would like to contribute to the dissemination of
knowledge on seismic design of buildings by translating this FWOG publication in English and thus extending its readership among construction professionals.
SDC intends to gather available experience in the
domains of construction and prevention of natural
hazards and technical risks and to make it accessible to
the practitioners in developing and transition countries
in an easy to understand form.
Biel, December 2002

Dr Christian Furrer
Director of the Federal Office
for Water and Geology (FOWG)
Bern, December 2002
Ambassador Walter Fuest
Director of the Swiss Agency
for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Basic principles for engineers, architects, building owners, and authorities
Table of Contents
Objectives
What happens during an earthquake?
The most important natural risk
The seismic risk keeps increasing
Insufficient measures
Urgent action is needed
BP 1
The architect and the engineer collaborate from the outset!
10
BP 2
Follow the seismic provisions of the building codes!
11
BP 3
No significant additional cost thanks to modern methods!
13
BP 4
Avoid soft-storey ground floors!
15
BP 5
Avoid soft-storey upper floors!
19
BP 6
Avoid asymmetric bracing!
21
BP 7
Avoid bracing offsets!
24
BP 8
Discontinuities in stiffness and resistance cause problems!
25
BP 9
Two slender reinforced concrete structural walls in each

principal direction!
26
BP 10 Avoid mixed systems with columns and structural masonry walls!
28
BP 11 Avoid bracing of frames with masonry infills!
29
BP 12 Brace masonry buildings with reinforced concrete structural walls!
32
BP 13 Reinforce structural masonry walls to resist horizontal actions!
34
BP 14 Match structural and non-structural elements!
38
BP 15 In skeleton structures, separate non-structural masonry walls by joints! 40

BP 16 Avoid short columns!
42
BP 17 Avoid partially infilled frames!
44
BP 18 Design diagonal steel bracing carefully!
46
BP 19 Design steel structures to be ductile!
48
BP 20 Separate adjacent buildings by joints!
50
BP 21 Favour compact plan configurations!
52
BP 22 Use the slabs to tie in the elements and distribute the forces!
53
BP 23 Ductile structures through capacity design!
55
BP 24 Use ductile reinforcing steel with: Rm/Re 1.15 and Agt 6 %!
56
BP 25 Use transverse reinforcement with 135 hooks and spaced

at s 5d in structural walls and columns!
58
BP 26 No openings or recesses in plastic zones!
60
BP 27 Secure connections in prefabricated buildings!
62
BP 28 Protect foundations through capacity design!
64
BP 29 Develop a site specific response spectrum!
65
BP 30 Assess the potential for soil liquefaction!
66
BP 31 Softening may be more beneficial than strengthening!
68
BP 32 Anchor facade elements against horizontal forces!
70
BP 33 Anchor free standing parapets and walls!
72
BP 34 Fasten suspended ceilings and light fittings!
74
BP 35 Fasten installations and equipment!
75
Illustration credits
78
Bibliography
79
Contacts / Links
80
Appendix: Global Seismic Hazard MAP
81
Objectives
This document offers a broad outline of the art of

designing earthquake resistant buildings. It describes
basic principles guiding the seismic design of
structures. These principles govern primarily the:
Conceptual design, and the
Detailing
of
Structural elements and
Non-structural elements
The conceptual design and the detailing of the structural
elements (walls, columns, slabs) and the non-structural
elements (partition walls, faades) plays a central role in
determining the structural behaviour (before failure) and
the earthquake vulnerability (sensitivity to damage) of
buildings. Errors and defects in the conceptual design
cannot be compensated for in the following calculations
and detailed design of the engineer. A seismically
correct conceptual design is furthermore necessary in
order to achieve a good earthquake resistance without
incurring significant additional costs.
The outlined principles are thus primarily applicable
to new buildings. However, it is quite clear
that they may also be used for the evaluation and
possible upgrading of existing buildings. Therefore,
certain principles are illustrated with applications to
existing buildings.
The basic principles (BP) are grouped according to the

following subjects:
collaboration, building codes and costs (BP 1 to BP 3)
lateral bracing and deformations (BP 4 to BP 20)
conceptual design in plan (BP 21 to BP 22)
detailing of structural elements (BP 23 to BP 27)
foundations and soil (BP 28 to BP 31)
non-structural elements and installations
(BP 32 to BP 35)
It is obvious that not all the basic principles are of the
same importance, neither in a general context nor in
relation to a particular object. Compromises, based on
engineering judgement, may be admissible depending
on the hazard level (regional hazard and site effect) and
the characteristics of the structure. Of primary importance is the strict adherence to the principles relevant to
life safety, particularly those concerning lateral bracing.
Only principles primarily intended to reduce material
damage may possibly be the subject of concessions.
This document is predominantly addressed to construction professionals such as civil engineers and architects,
but also to building owners and authorities. It is suitable
both for self-study and as a basis for university courses
and continued education. The illustrations may be
obtained from the editor in electronic format. All other
rights, in particular related to the reproduction of
illustrations and text, are reserved.
The basic principles are intentionally simple. Calculations

and detailed design are only marginally introduced.
Additional information may be found in specialised
literature (eg. [Ba02]).
The ideas and concepts of the basic principles were
developed within a framework consisting of numerous
presentations given by the author between 1997 and
2000, the contents of which were constantly elaborated
and developed. Each principle is introduced by a
schematic figure (synthesis of the principle), followed by
a general description. Further illustration is usually
provided by photographs of damage, giving either
positive or negative examples, and accompanied by a
specific legend.
Time history of ground motion parameters
E/1
E/2
Rapid ground-motion:
How long?
How much?
Structural (Building) response:

Strong vibrations
Large stresses and strains
Local failure
Total failure = Collapse
Time (s)
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
In an earthquake, seismic waves arise from sudden

movements in a rupture zone (active fault) in the
earth's crust. Waves of different types and velocities
travel different paths before reaching a buildings site
and subjecting the local ground to various motions.
The ground moves rapidly back and forth in all
directions, usually mainly horizontally, but also vertically. What is the duration of the ground motions?
For example, an earthquake of average intensity lasts
approximately 1020 seconds, a relatively short duration. What is the maximum amplitude of the motions?
For example, for a typical Valais Quake of an
approximate magnitude of 6 (similar to the earthquake
that caused damage in the Visp region in 1855), the
amplitudes in the various directions of the horizontal
plane can reach about 8, 10, or even 12 cm. During an
earthquake of magnitude 6.5 or more (similar to the
Basel Quake that destroyed most of the city of Basel
and its surroundings in 1356), ground displacements
can reach 15-20 cm, and perhaps somewhat more.
What happens to the buildings? If the ground moves
rapidly back and forth, then the foundations of the
building are forced to follow these movements. The
upper part of the building however would prefer to
remain where it is because of its mass of inertia. This
causes strong vibrations of the structure with
resonance phenomena between the structure and the
ground, and thus large internal forces. This frequently
results in plastic deformation of the structure and
substantial damage with local failures and, in extreme
cases, collapse.
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The effects of an earthquake on a building are primarily determined by the time histories of the three ground
motion parameters; ground acceleration (ag), velocity
(vg), and displacement (dg), with their specific
frequency contents. Looking at the example of the
linear horizontal ground motion chart of an artificially
generated Valais Quake, it is clear that the dominant
frequencies of acceleration are substantially higher
than those for velocity and much higher than those for
displacement.
The ground motion parameters and other characteristic values at a location due to an earthquake of a given
magnitude may vary strongly. They depend on
numerous factors, such as the distance, direction,
depth, and mechanism of the fault zone in the earth's
crust (epicentre), as well as, in particular, the local soil
characteristics (layer thickness, shear wave velocity).
In comparison with rock, softer soils are particularly
prone to substantial local amplification of the seismic
waves. As for the response of a building to the ground
motion, it depends on important structural characteristics (eigenfrequency, type of structure, ductility,
etc).
Buildings must therefore be designed to cover
considerable uncertainties and variations.
The most important natural risk

Earthquakes of large magnitudes can often be classified as great natural catastrophes. That is to say that
the ability of a region to help itself after such an event
is distinctly overtaxed, making interregional or
international assistance necessary. This is usually the
case when thousands of people are killed, hundreds of
thousands are made homeless, or when a country
suffers substantial economic losses, depending on the
economic circumstances generally prevailing in that
country.
The 2001 Gujarat earthquake is a recent example of
such a catastrophe. It was the first major earthquake
to hit an urban area of India in the last 50 years. It
killed 13'800 people and injured some 167'000. Over
230'000 one- and two-story masonry houses collapsed

and 980'000 more were damaged. Further, many
lifelines were destroyed or severely damaged and de
facto non-functional over a long period of time. The
net direct and indirect economic loss due to the damage and destruction is estimated to be about US$ 5
billion. The human deaths, destruction of houses and
direct and indirect economic losses caused a major
setback in the developmental process of the State of
Gujarat.
From 1950 to 1999, 234 natural catastrophes were
categorized as great natural catastrophes [MR 00].
From these 234, 68 (29%) were earthquakes. The
most important ones in terms of loss of lives were the
1976 Tangshan earthquake (China), with 290'000
fatalities and the 1970 Chimbote earthquake (Peru),
with 67'000 fatalities. In terms of economic losses, the
Great natural catastrophes 1950-1999

E/3
Fatalities: 1.4 mio

1%
Economic losses: US$ 960 bn

7%
7%
35%
30%
47%
45%
28%
Earthquakes
Windstorms
Floods
Munich Re Group, 2000
Others
most important ones were the 1995 Kobe earthquake

(Japan), with US$ 100 billion, and the 1994 Northridge
earthquake (USA) with US$ 44 billion.
In terms of loss of lives and economic losses, it can be
seen on the figure of page 8 that earthquakes
represent the most important risk from natural hazards
worldwide. It is tempting to think that this risk is
concentrated only in areas of high seismicity, but this
reasoning does not hold. In regions of low to moderate seismicity earthquakes can be a predominant risk
as well. There, hazard can be seen as relatively low, but
vulnerability is very high because of the lack of preventive measures. This combined leads to a high risk.
The seismic risk keeps increasing

The seismic risk is equal to the product of the hazard
(intensity/probability of occurrence of the event, local
soil characteristics), the exposed value and the vulnerability of the building stock. The current building stock
is constantly enlarged by the addition of new
buildings, many with significant, or even excessive,
earthquake vulnerability. This is above all due to the
fact that for new buildings, the basic principles of
earthquake resistant design and also the earthquake
specifications of the building codes, are often not
followed. The reason is either unawareness, convenience or intentional ignorance. As a result, the
earthquake risk continues to increase unnecessarily.
Devastating induced hazards

Apart from structural hazards due to ground shaking,
extensive loss can be caused by the so-called induced
hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, fire, retaining
structure failures, critical lifeline failures, tsunamis and
seiches.
For example, the 2001 San Salvador earthquake
induced 16'000 landslides causing damage to 200'000
houses. In the 1970 Chimbote earthquake (Peru), a
gigantic landslide triggered by the earthquake caused
25000 fatalities, more than a third of the total
fatalitites. In the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, most
of the damage was caused by uncontrolled fire. In the
1995 Kobe earthquake fire was responsible for 8% of
the destroyed houses.
Urgent action is needed

The preceding remarks clearly illustrate that there is a
large deficit in the structural measures for seismic
protection in many parts of the world. There is an
enormous pent up demand and accordingly a need for
urgent action. New buildings must be designed to be
reasonably earthquake resistant to prevent the
constant addition of new vulnerable structures to a
building stock that is already seriously threatened. To
this end, the present publication aims at contributing
by spreading the appropriate basic knowledge.
BP 1 The architect and the engineer collaborate

from the outset!
Basic principles for the seismic design of buildings

1
Building owner
Architect
1. Architect: Conceptual design

of structure and non-structural
elements
Civil Engineer
1/2
Wrong:
Serial-design
1. Structure for gravity loads
2. Non-structural elements
3. Structure for seismic action
2. Engineer: Calculations
Much better and more economical:
The architect and engineer collaborate

from the outset!
Parallell-design
The architect and engineer
collaborate
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Many building owners and architects are still of the

mistaken opinion that it is sufficient to include the civil
engineer only at the end of the design stage to calculate the structure. This is a bad approach that may
have serious consequences and cause significant additional costs. Even the cleverest calculations and detailed
design cannot compensate for errors and defects in
the conceptual seismic design of the structure or in the
selection of non-structural elements, in particular
partition walls and facade elements.

1/1
Even the cleverest calculations and detailed design cannot

compensate for errors and defects in the conceptual
seismic design of the structural and non-structural elements!
Close collaboration between architect and

civil engineer from the earliest planning stage!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
It is important that there is a close collaboration between

the architect and the engineer from the earliest planning
stage of any building project in order to ensure a good
outcome, guarantee structural safety, reduce vulnerability,
and limit costs. By doing so, both partners contribute with
different, yet indispensable, expertise. The architect deals
primarily with the aesthetic and functional design, while
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
the engineer produces a safe, efficient and economical

structure. This is why collaboration between the architect
and the engineer must start at the first design draft!
Serial-design is particularly bad and inefficient. It is
not at all efficient that the architect performs the
conceptual design and selects the types and materials of
the non-structural partition walls and faade elements
before entrusting the engineer with the calculations and
detailed design of the structure. It is also wrong to
consider seismic loading only after completing the
gravity load design and selecting the non-structural
elements. By then the structure can only be fixed for
earthquakes. This will often result in an expensive and
unsatisfactory patchwork.
A parallell-design is much better and usually substantially more economical. The architect and the engineer
design together and, taking into account the relevant
aesthetic and functional requirements, develop a safe,
efficient, and economical general-purpose structure
for gravity loads and seismic action. They then together
select non-structural partition walls and facade elements
with deformation capacities compatible with the
designed structure. An optimum result can be obtained
through this approach. A close and thoughtful
collaboration between the architect and the engineer
is therefore also of interest to the building owner.
This collaboration cannot wait for the calculation and
detailed design stage, but must start at the earliest
conceptual design stage when choices are made that
are crucial for the seismic resistance and vulnerability of
the building.
10
General purpose structure

and non-structural elements
BP 2 Follow the seismic provisions of the codes!

2
Internationally harmonized standards:

ISO 3010
International Building Code (IBC)
Uniform Building Code (UBC)
Eurocode 8
National standards:
SIA 261 (Switzerland)
IS 1893 (India)
DIN 4149 (Germany)
PS 92 (France)
.
Follow the seismic provisions of the codes!

T. Wenk
In the early 20th century, the first seismic provisions

in building codes were introduced in a few countries
with high seismicity. These early seismic codes have
been periodically updated with increasing knowledge
in earthquake engineering. In the 1960's and 1970's,
countries with moderate seismicity began to adopt
seismic requirements in their building codes.
In the same period, the better understanding of
dynamic soil behavior as well as inelastic structural
behavior led to the development of more advanced
seismic codes.
The ignorance or disregard of the seismic provisions of

the building codes, even if only partial, can result in an
inferior building [Sc 00]. The reduction in value may
include, among other things, the costs of retrofitting
minus the additional costs that would have been
incurred to ensure the seismic resistance of the building at its design and construction stage. The designers
can be responsible for retrofitting costs, as well as
jointly liable with the building owners for loss of life ,
injury or for any resulting material damage in the case
of an earthquake. A retrofit generally costs several
times more than what it would have cost to ensure
adequate seismic resistance of the new building.
Considerable costs may also be incurred by disruptions
of the buildings use, such as temporary evacuation
and business interruption. Furthermore, determining
the responsibility of the architect and engineer can
necessitate lengthy and complex legal procedures.
The building owner, the architect, the engineer, and
the authorities therefore have a vested interest in
ensuring that the seismic provisions of the building
codes are strictly enforced, and that appropriate
structural calculations and verifications are kept with
the construction documents.
Today, the principles of capacity design together with

the concepts of ductile behavior allow a safe and
cost effective earthquake resistant design. The latest
efforts of seismic code development were mainly
focused on internationally harmonized standards like
ISO 3010, Eurocode 8, and UBC.
Unfortunately, even today, the seismic provisions of the
building codes are not always respected; this is due to
either ignorance, indifference, convenience, or
negligence. Moreover, appropriate official controls and
checks are lacking. Buildings that are very vulnerable
and at risk from even a relatively weak earthquake
continue to be built today. Investigations of existing
buildings (e.g. [La 02]) showed however, that enforcing
the building code requirements makes it possible to
significantly reduce the seismic vulnerability of
buildings with no significant additional costs while
improving their resistance against collapse.
11
2/1 Buildings are still built for which no verification of adequate

seismic resistance is conducted in accordance with the current building codes. In the case of this masonry building, it appears that no
adequate measures (e.g. reinforced structural concrete walls) were
taken. An insufficient earthquake resistance may cause a significant
reduction in the value of the building, and may be the cause of a civil
liability lawsuit (Switzerland, 2001).
2/2 Buildings in which the lateral bracing is missing or highly eccentric,

or buildings with discontinuities, generally do not satisfy the
requirements of the current building codes and are therefore likely to
be damaged or collapse under the effect of even a relatively weak
earthquake (Switzerland 2000).
12
BP 3 No significant additional costs thanks

to modern methods!

3
The costs of earthquake resistance depends on:

planning approach
applied method
No significant additional costs thanks

to modern methods!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The opinion that designing new buildings to be earthquake resistant will cause substantial additionnal costs
is still common among the construction professionnals.
In a swiss survey, estimates between 3 and 17% of the
total building costs were given. This opinion is
unfounded. In a country of moderate seismicity,
adequate seismic resistance of new buildings may be
achieved at no, or no significant, additional cost.
However, the expenditure needed to ensure adequate
seismic resistance may depend strongly on the
approach selected during the conceptual design phase
and on the relevant design method:
Regarding the conceptual design phase, early collaboration between the architect and civil engineer
is crucial (see BP 1). Seismic protection must be
taken into consideration in the architectural design
of the building as well as in the conceptual design
of the structure. Above all, substantial extra costs
may be incurred if modifications and additions to
the structure need to be made at an advanced
stage, since they often require modifications of the
architectural design also. These may be very costly.
Concerning the design method, it should be stated
that significant progress has been made recently.
Intensive research has improved the understanding
of the behaviour of a building or structure during
an earthquake and resulted in the development
of more efficient and modern design methods.
Compared to older methods, the cost of seismic
resistance of a building is reduced and / or
the performance during an earthquake is notably
improved, thus also reducing vulnerability. Of special
importance are ductile structures and the associated
design method named capacity design method.

Thus, structural elements such as reinforced
concrete walls, which are used for wind bracing,
can perform other functions without notable additional cost (e.g. by modifying the reinforcement).
Fewer additional structural elements are therefore
required in comparison to older methods.
Information on the application and advantages of
modern methods can be found in the publication
[D0171]. This document describes the seismic design
of a seven storey residential and commercial building.
It enables a comparison between the deformationoriented capacity design and conventional design
(earlier method). The advantages of the modern
method for this example can be summarised as follows
(see also page 14):
drastic reduction in the seismic design forces at
ultimate limit state;
better resistance against collapse;
good deformation control;
prevention of damage for earthquakes up to a
chosen intensity (damage limit state earthquake);
larger flexibility in case of changes in building use;
practically equal costs.
The last three advantages are particularly important to

the building owner. The larger flexibility with respect
to the changes in building use results primarily from
the fact that the majority of the walls can be modified
or even removed without any problem.
Page 14
3/1 Results of the seismic design of a seven storey residential and
commercial building by different methods [D0171].
13
Seismic conventional design

West faade
Section C
Section H
Section C
Section K
4. floor
3. floor
2. floor
1. floor
mezzaninne
ground floor
1. basement
2. basement
C
Seismic conceptual design and

capacity design
West faade
C
4. floor
3. floor
2. floor
1. floor
mezzaninne
ground floor
1. basement
2. basement
C
Walls, slabs, main beams and columns in reinforced concrete to resist gravity loads
Reinforced concrete walls and frames to resist earthquake actions
Structural masonry
14
BP 4 Avoid soft-storey ground floors!

4
Avoid soft-storey ground floors!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Many building collapses during earthquakes may be

attributed to the fact that the bracing elements, e.g.
walls, which are available in the upper floors, are
omitted in the ground floor and substituted by
columns. Thus a ground floor that is soft in the
horizontal direction is developed (soft storey). Often
the columns are damaged by the cyclic displacements
between the moving soil and the upper part of the
building. The plastic deformations (plastic hinges) at
the top and bottom end of the columns lead to a
dangerous sway mechanism (storey mechanism) with a
large concentration of the plastic deformations at the
column ends.
A collapse is often inevitable.
4/2 Sway mechanisms are often inevitable with soft storey ground
floors (Izmit, Turkey 1999).
4/3 Here the front columns are inclined in their weaker direction, the
rear columns have failed completely (Izmit, Turkey 1999).
4/1 This sway mechanism in the ground floor of a building under

construction almost provoked a collapse (Friaul, Italy 1976).
Page 16
4/4 This residential building is tilted as a result of column failure
(Taiwan 1999).
15
4/5 The well-braced upper part of the building collapsed onto the
ground floor
4/7 This multi-storey building escaped collapse by a hairs-breadth
4/6 and these are the remains of the left edge ground flour
column (Kobe, Japan 1995).
4/8 thanks to resistant columns with well detailed stabilising and

confining reinforcement (Taiwan 1999).
17
4/9 It is feared that existing buildings such as this one could collapse
under even a relatively weak earthquake (Switzerland 2000).
4/10 Likewise, it is probable that the slender columns under the

cladding of this existing building are too weak. A few horizontally
short reinforced concrete structural walls could help significantly
(Switzerland 1998).
18
BP 5 Avoid soft-storey upper floors!

5
Avoid soft-storey upper floors!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
An upper storey can also be soft in comparison to the

others if the lateral bracing is weakened or omitted, or if
the horizontal resistance is strongly reduced above a
certain floor. The consequence may again be a dangerous sway mechanism.
5/2 In this office building also, an upper storey failed. The top of the
building has collapsed onto the floor below, the whole building
rotated and leaned forwards.
5/1 In this commercial building the third floor has disappeared and
the floors above have collapsed onto it (Kobe, Japan 1995).
5/3 This close-up view shows the crushed upper floor of the office
building (Kobe, Japan 1995).
19
5/4 All the upper floors were too soft (Izmit, Turkey 1999).
20
BP 6 Avoid asymmetric bracing!

6
W, S
S
M
W
M
Avoid asymmetrical horizontal bracing!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Asymmetric bracing is a frequent cause of building

collapses during earthquakes. In the two above sketches only the lateral bracing elements are represented
(walls and trusses). The columns are not drawn
because their frame action to resist horizontal forces
and displacements is small. The columns, which only
have to carry the gravity loads, should however be able
to follow the horizontal displacements of the structure
without loosing their load bearing capacity.
Each building in the sketch has a centre of mass M
(centre of gravity of all the masses) through which
the inertia forces are assumed to act, a centre of resistance W for horizontal forces and a centre of stiffness
S (shear centre). The point W is the centre of gravity
of the flexural and frame resistance of structural
elements along the two major axes. If the centre of
resistance and the centre of mass do not coincide,
eccentricity and twisting occur. The building twists in
the horizontal plane about the centre of stiffness.
In particular, this torsion generates significant relative
displacements between the bottom and top of the
columns furthest away from the centre of stiffness and
these often fail rapidly. Therefore the centre of resistance
should coincide with, or be close to, the centre of mass,
and sufficient torsional resistance should be available.
This can be achieved with a symmetric arrangement of
the lateral bracing elements. These should be placed,
if possible, along the edges of building, or in any case
sufficiently far away from the centre of mass.
6/1 In this new skeleton building with flat slabs and small structural
columns designed to carry gravity loads, the only bracing against
horizontal forces and displacements is a reinforced concrete elevator
and stairway shaft, placed very asymmetrically at the corner of the
building. There is a large eccentricity between the centres of mass
and resistance or stiffness. Twisting in the plan will lead to large
relative displacements in the columns furthest away from the shaft
and the danger of punching shear failure that this implies. Placing a
slender reinforced concrete wall, extending the entire height of the
building at each facade in the opposite corner from the shaft would
be a definite improvement. It would then be enough to construct
two of the core walls in reinforced concrete and the rest could be for
example in masonry (Switzerland 1994).
Page 22
6/2 This office building had a continuous fire wall to the right rear
as well as more eccentric bracing at the back. The building twisted
significantly, and the front columns failed (Kobe, Japan 1995).
21
6/5 Originally, the only horizontal bracing in this 70's auditorium

building at the Hnggerberg Campus of ETH Zurich were reinforced
concrete walls with little torsional resistance situated at the rear of
building. Because of the considerable distance between the bracing
and the centre of mass of this large building, it would have twisted
significantly in the plan for even a relatively weak earthquake
(seismic zone 1 according to SIA 160). The few highly loaded
reinforced concrete columns in the ground floor would have experienced substantial displacements, particularly in the front of the
building. However, the column detailing was inadequate for the
required ductility. Additional steel columns were therefore built in on
three sides of the building exterior. They form a truss that can
transfer the horizontal seismic forces to the existing foundations.
This upgrading also fulfilled the need for a strengthening of the
cantilevered structure for gravity loads.
6/3 6/4 In the back, this house share a strong and stiff fire wall with
another house. In the front, the facade is substantially softer, so that
the centres of resistance and stiffness were situated to the back of
the building. The house twisted strongly in the horizontal plane, but
did not collapse (Umbria, Italy 1997).
6/6 The incorporation of the new tubular steel truss columns is

aesthetically satisfying.
23
BP 7 Avoid bracing offsets!

7
Avoid bracing
offset!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Horizontal bracing offsets, in plane (at the bottom of

the plan figure) or out of plane (at the top of the
plan figure), result when the position of the bracing
changes from one storey to another. The bending
moments and the shear forces induced by the offset
cannot be fully compensated, despite substantial
additional costs.
The offsets disturb the direct flow of forces, weaken
the resistance and reduce the ductility (plastic deformation capacity) of the bracing. Moreover, they cause
large additional forces and deformations in other
structural elements (e.g. slabs and columns).
Compared to bracings that are continuous over the
height of the building, bracings with offsets increase
the vulnerability of the construction and usually
noticeably reduce its seismic resistance. Bracing offsets
must therefore be absolutely avoided!
7/1 The horizontal offset of the reinforced concrete wall in the

vertical plane causes large additional stresses and deformations in
the structure during an earthquake. They include large local vertical
forces (from the overturning moment), large additional shear forces
in the slabs at offsets, redistribution of the foundation forces, etc.
(Switzerland 2001).
24
BP 8 Discontinuities in stiffness and

resistance cause problems!

8
Discontinuities in
stiffness and resistance
cause problems!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Modifications in the cross section of bracing systems

over the height of a building cause discontinuities and
lead to sudden variations in the stiffness and resistance
of the building. This can cause irregularities in the
dynamic behaviour and disturb the local flow of forces.
An increase in the stiffness and resistance from the
bottom up (left in the elevation figure) is generally less
favourable than the opposite (right in the elevation
figure). In any case, the calculation of the sectional
forces and the design of the structure as well as the
detailing of the discontinuities must be conducted very
carefully.
8/2 During an earthquake, the reinforced concrete cantilever wall

(behind the curtain), will induce significant additional stresses in the
already highly loaded column on the ground floor (Switzerland
2001).
8/1 The transition from a reinforced concrete structural wall to a

frame structure causes large discontinuities in stiffness and resistance
(Switzerland 2001).
25
BP 9 Two slender reinforced concrete structural

walls in each principal direction !

9
Two slender reinforced concrete structural

walls in each principal direction!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Reinforced concrete structural walls of rectangular

cross-section constitute the most suitable bracing
system against seismic actions for skeleton structures.
The walls may be relatively short in the horizontal
direction e.g. 3 to 6 m or about 1/3 to 1/5 of the
building height they must, however, extend over the
entire height of the building. In a zone of moderate
seismicity, in most cases two slender and capacity
designed ductile walls in each major direction are
sufficient. The type of non-structural elements can also
influence the selection of the dimensions (stiffness) of
the bracing system (cf. BP 14). To minimise the effects
of torsion, the walls should be placed symmetrically
with respect to the centre of mass and as close as
possible to the edges of the building (cf. BP 6).
Considering seismic forces transfer to the ground
(foundation), corner walls should preferably be avoided. When the walls have L cross-section (angle walls)
or U crosssections, the lack of symmetry can make
detailing for ductility difficult. Reinforced concrete
walls with rectangular cross-section (standard thickness
30 cm) can be made ductile with little effort, thus
ensuring a high seismic safety [D0171].
9/1 Such reinforced concrete structural walls take up only little

space in plan and elevation (Switzerland 1994).
9/2 The reinforcement of reinforced concrete structural walls is

relatively simple, but it must be detailed and laid with great care.
The figure shows a capacity designed ductile wall, of rectangular
cross-section, which was added to an existing building (Switzerland
1999).
26
9/3 This skeleton structure has reinforced concrete structural walls in

the transverse directions at two building corners.
9/4 The structural walls were included as prominent elements in the

architectural concept (Switzerland 1994).
27
BP 10 Avoid mixed systems with

columns and structural masonry walls!

10
Reinforced
concrete frame
Structural
masonry wall
Avoid mixed
systems of
columns and
structural
masonry walls!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
can impair the building functionally [D0171]. A consistent design of the structure as a skeleton structure, i.e.
columns only (no masonry walls) with some slender
reinforced concrete structural walls extending the
entire height of the building, is thus also in the longterm interest of the owner. As the interior partitions
are non-structural elements, they are easy to refit in
case of changes in the buildings use. Extensive
structural modifications are therefore not necessary.
ibk ETH Zurich
Mixed structural systems with concrete or steel

columns and structural masonry walls behave very
unfavourably during earthquakes. The columns in
combination with the slabs or beams form frames,
which have a substantially smaller horizontal stiffness
than the masonry walls. The earthquake actions are
therefore carried to a large extent by the masonry
walls. In addition to the inertia forces from their own
influence zone, the walls must resist those from the
parts of the building with the columns (to the left in
the figure). This results in a seismic resistance considerably less than that of a pure masonry construction.
When masonry walls fail due to the seismic actions or
deflections, they can no longer carry the gravity loads,
which usually leads to a total collapse of the building.
Mixed systems of columns and structural masonry
walls must therefore be absolutely avoided.
10/1 This structural stairway wall will be destroyed by a relatively

weak earthquake. A total collapse of the building may result
(Switzerland 2001).
Furthermore, such mixed systems prove to be

unfavourable because of their lack of flexibility with
regard to increasingly frequent building modifications
required by changes in their use. Removal of masonry
walls require heavy structural interventions, which are
costly (up to several percent of the building value) and
28
BP 11 Avoid bracing of frames with masonry infills!

11
Avoid bracing of frames

with masonry infills!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
It is still a common opinion that filling in frame structures with masonry walls improves the behaviour under
horizontal loads including seismic actions. This is true
only for small loads, and as long as the masonry remains
largely intact. The combination of two very different and
incompatible construction types performs poorly during
earthquakes. The frame structure is relatively flexible
and somewhat ductile, while unreinforced masonry is
very stiff and fragile and may explode under the
effect of only small deformations. At the beginning of
an earthquake the masonry carries most of the earthquake actions but as the shaking intensifies the masonry
fails due to shear or sliding (friction is usually small due
to the lack of vertical loads). The appearance of
diagonal cracks is characteristic of a seismic failure.
11/1 Here the columns were clearly stronger and the masonry fell
out while the frame remained standing (Erzincan, Turkey 1992).
Two basic cases can be identified: Either the columns are

stronger than the masonry, or vice-versa. With stronger
columns the masonry is completely destroyed and falls
out. With weaker columns the masonry can damage
and shear the columns, which often leads to collapse
(see also BP 16 and 17).
Page 30
11/2 In this case the masonry was stronger: The columns experienced significant damage and were partly sheared; nevertheless, the
frame is still just standing (Mexico 1985).
29
11/3 The masonry was also stronger in this case; it sheared the
relatively large columns (Adana-Ceyhan, Turkey 1998).
11/4 These diagonal cracks are typical of reinforced concrete frame

masonry infills (Turkey, Izmit 1999).
31
BP 12 Brace masonry buildings with reinforced concrete

structural walls!

12
Masonry
Structural
concrete wall
Masonry
Stiffen masonry buildings with reinforced

concrete structural walls!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Traditionally in many countries, houses and smaller

commercial buildings are often built with unreinforced
masonry walls made of clay, limestone or cement
bricks. Masonry is a good construction material in
terms of thermal insulation, storage and vertical loads
carrying capacity. For seismic actions however, masonry
stuctures are not well suited. On one hand they are
relatively stiff, so they usually have a high natural
frequency within the plateau area of the design
response spectrum and therefore experience large
earthquake actions. On the other hand unreinforced
masonry walls are rather brittle and generally exhibit
relatively little energy dissipation. Generally, it is not
possible to obtain adequate seismic resistance (even in
regions of low seismicity) and additional measures are
therefore necessary.
A possible solution consists of bracing unreinforced
masonry buildings with reinforced concrete structural
walls. Hereby it is possible to limit the horizontal
deformations of the masonry and therefore preserve its
gravity load carrying capacity. The reinforced concrete
structural walls must be designed to be sufficiently
stiff, the horizontal wall length and the vertical
reinforcement ratio being key parameters. They must
be able to carry the seismic actions and to transmit
them to the foundations while remaining elastic, i.e.
without notable yielding of the reinforcement.
The horizontal deflection of the reinforced concrete
structural walls under the design earthquake must not
exceed the displacement capacity of the stiffest, i.e.
longest, masonry wall.
12/1 Such and also lower! new masonry structures, without

bracing reinforced concrete structural walls, are extremely vulnerable
to earthquakes (Switzerland 2001).
12/2 This new 3-storey residential building with unreinforced

masonry structural walls is braced longitudinally by a reinforced
concrete structural wall in each facade, and transversely by an
interior reinforced concrete structural wall (Switzerland 2001).
32
12/3 This new 4-storey masonry structure is braced by one

reinforced concrete structural wall in each major direction. There
is also a long masonry wall in both directions that has a horizontal
layer joint reinforcement and is anchored to the concrete wall
(Switzerland 2001).
12/4 Structural masonry walls, reinforced concrete structural walls

and slabs should respond together when subjected to shear,
compression, and if possible tension (Switzerland 2001).
12/5 This is why it is recommended to fill in the joints between

structural masonry walls and reinforced concrete structural walls
with mortar (Switzerland 2001).
33
BP 13 Reinforce structural masonry

walls to resist horizontal actions!

13
Reinforce structural
masonry walls to
resist horizontal actions!
Minimum reinforcement
Edge reinforcement
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
A possible alternative to basic principle 12 for making

masonry structures substantially more suitable for
seismic actions is to reinforce some long masonry walls
and thus stiffen them in the longitudinal direction.
In this case, for example, vertical and horizontal
minimum reinforcement and stronger vertical reinforcement in the boundary zones must be detailed [Ba
02]. Thus sliding in the horizontal layer joints can be
prevented and a global ductility of up to ~
=2 can be
achieved. The reinforced walls can therefore be
considered as structural masonry walls for horizontal
actions. The horizontal displacement of the reinforced
masonry walls for the design earthquake must not
exceed the ultimate displacement capacity of the
stiffest i.e. longest, unreinforced masonry wall.
This is necessary to ensure that the vertical loadbearing capacity of the unreinforced masonry walls is
preserved.
13/1 13/2 Reinforced masonry requires special bricks, particularly to

incorporate and coat the vertical reinforcing bars. Worldwide
developments in reinforcing systems and adequate bricks are under
way. The two pictures show new developments in the clay masonry
industry (Switzerland 1998).
34
13/3 This type of vertical reinforcement is anchored at the top and

bottom with U-shaped bars extending in 2 brick layers. The bars
used to anchor the walls to the slabs or lower walls are very important (Switzerland 1998).
13/4 13/5 Vertical pre-stressing can also improve the earthquake

behavior of masonry walls by substantially increasing the vertical
force (Switzerland 1996).
35
13/6 The strength and ductility of masonry walls in existing

buildings can be improved with carbon fiber or steel plate
reinforcements (Switzerland 1996).
13/7 The plates must be glued on carefully and anchored in the

slabs (Switzerland 1997).
Page 37
13/8 It is also necessary to consider the capacity requirement
perpendicular to the wall (out-of-plane). This applies in particular
to gable walls (cantilever), to other masonry walls that are poorly
restrained against horizontal forces and, for stronger earthquakes,
also to walls supporting slabs. Here the walls in the upper floor,
which carried only a small vertical load, failed out-of-plane (Loma
Prieta 1989). Reinforcement, vertical pre-stressing, or glued on plates
can also prevent such failure.
36
BP 14 Match structural and non-structural elements!

14
Governing size:
Inter-storey
displacement
Match structural and

non-structural elements!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
If deformation-sensitive non-structural partition walls

and facade elements (e.g. of masonry) are incorporated into a horizontally soft structure (e.g. a frame
structure) without using joints, substantial damage
may develop even for relatively weak earthquakes.
Experience shows that in such cases a building must
sometimes be demolished, even though the structure
suffered no substantial damage. A modern earthquake
resistant design must therefore match the stiffness of
the structure and the deformation capacity of the
non-structural partition walls and facade elements.
The interstory drift ratio (i.e. the interstorey drift, ,
divided by the interstorey height, h) and the vulnerability of the non-structural elements are crucial. The
skillful selection and combination of structural
and non-structural elements can prevent damages,
even for relatively strong earthquakes.
14/1 Here, the non-structural partition walls were destroyed,

although the frame structure deformed only little and is hardly
damaged. Even the windows remained intact (Armenia 1988).
14/2 And here, a collapsed partition wall is simply rebuilt until the
next earthquake... (Adana-Ceyhan, Turkey 1998).
Page 39
14/3 The glass facade of this new multistorey building survived a
strong earthquake almost without loss, owing to special flexible
fastenings for the facade elements (Kobe, Japan 1995).
38
BP 15 In skeleton structures, separate non-structural

masonry walls by joints!

15
Rubber
1040 mm
In skeleton
structures,
separate
non-structural
masonry walls
by joints!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
In flexible skeleton structures, it can be beneficial to

separate non-strucutral partition walls from the
structure by soft joints. This is particularly true for
inplane stiff and brittle masonry walls.This way,
damage occuring even for weak earthquakes can be
prevented. The joints run along columns, structural
walls, and slabs, or beams and must be filled by a very
flexible soundproof material, e.g. boards of soft
rubber. Styrofoam, cork, etc. are too stiff in this case.
The necessary joint thickness (typically 20 to 40 mm)
depends on the stiffness of the structure and the
deformation sensitivity of the partition walls as well as
the desired protection level (damage limit state
earthquake < design earthquake) [D0171]. Generally
the partition walls must also be secured against outof-plane actions (plate effect), e.g. by support angles.
15/1 Here a vertical joint separates the masonry wall and the
reinforced concrete column, but it is probably much too thin
(Switzerland 1994).
40
15/2 The joints thickness here a horizontal joint between a

masonry wall and a slab and the capacity of the support angles
(bolts) must be matched to the deformation of the structure and
the capacity demand for the desired protection level (damage limit
state earthquake) (Switzerland 1994).
15/3 This joint between a masonry wall and a reinforced concrete

structural wall was filled by expanded polystyrene boards. But
Styrofoam is too stiff for earthquake displacements; soft rubber
would be a more suitable material (Switzerland 1994).
41
BP 16 Avoid short columns!

16
Mpl
l
Mpl
Enormous
moment gradient
shear failure!
Avoid short columns!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The shear failure of so-called short columns is a

frequent cause of collapse during earthquakes.
It concerns squat columns, i.e. columns that are
relatively thick compared to their height, and are often
fixed in strong beams or slabs. Slender columns can
be turned into short columns by the addition of
parapet infills in frame structures (unintentionally
shortened columns).
Columns under horizontal actions in frame structures
may be stressed up to their plastic moment capacity
(plastification or failure moment). In the case of short
columns with considerable bending capacity, an
enormous moment gradient and thus a large shear
force results. This often leads to a shear failure before
reaching the plastic moment capacity. Short columns
should therefore be avoided. An alternative is to
design and detail the columns in accordance with the
rules of capacity design, whereby the shear capacity
must be increased to account for the overstrength of
the vertical reinforcement [Ba 02] [PP 92].
16/1 The diagonal cracks and shear failures in the short columns of
a multi-storey car park almost caused collapse (Northridge, California
1994).
42
16/2 Here, the masonry columns in the ground floor of a restaurant

behaved as short columns. They were highly damaged by diagonal
cracks (Umbria, Italy 1997).
16/3 Shear failure in the corner short column on the ground floor
led to near-failure of this commercial building (Erzican Turkey 1992).
43
BP 17 Avoid partially infilled frames!

17
Avoid partially infilled frames!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The infill of parapet walls into a frame structure without

the addition of joints can cause short column phenomena (see previous basic principle). Shear failure occurs,
or in cases of sufficient shear strength a sway
mechanism develops with possibly significant second
order effects (P--Effect).
17/2 To the left of the destroyed column there used to be a window

opening similar to the one on the far left of the picture. The already
demolished masonry wall under the window opening behaved like a
partial infill wall. It moved to the right, pushed against the column
and sheared it off.
17/1 In this case, inserting parapet walls into a frame led to a short
column phenomenon. Owing to the good confinement of the
transverse reinforcement, no actual shear failure occurred, but an
equally dangerous sway mechanism developed (Friaul, Italy 1976).
17/3 Better transverse reinforcement in the column (small spaced

hoops and ties) would probably have prevented the shear failure.
However, the source of the problem lies in the partial infilling of the
frame that caused the short column phenomenon (lzmit, Turkey
1999).
44
17/4 Here too, inserting masonry walls and long window openings
caused high additional stresses and column failure. The relatively
good behavior of the massive column to the right in the picture contributed to the fact that the building narrowly escaped collapse.
17/6 A possibility to avoid or strongly reduce the unfavourable

effect of infill parapet walls into frames, is the addition of joints
between the infill wall and columns. The joint was realized correctly,
since it is filled by a soft and therefore strongly compactible rock
wool sheet. However, the width only permits a 1% free lateral drift
ratio of the column (Switzerland 2001).
17/5 This column illustrates unsatisfactory detailing (hoops with 90

instead of 135 hooks, compare with BP 25). Without the unfavorable
effect of the infill walls it would however have behaved much better
(lzmit, Turkey 1999).
45
BP 18 Design diagonal steel bracing carefully!

18
Design diagonal
steel bracing carefully!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
For the bracing of builidings, in particular industrial

buildings, steel truss systems can be used. It must
however, be carefully thought out and designed.
The common truss bracing with centre connections
and slender diagonal members may show a very
unfavourable behavior under cyclic actions. The diagonals yield under tension, lengthen more with each
cycle and end up buckling under compression. Under
repeated cyclic movements, the stiffness of the truss
becomes very small at the zero deformation point.
This, combined with dynamic effects, can contribute to
the failure of the structure. Such bracing must therefore only be designed for elastic behaviour, or if
necessary very low ductility. It is advisable moreover to
check compatibility between the deformations of the
bracing and those of the other structural and
non-structural elements. This can indicate the need for
more stiff bracing or other bracing systems, such as
walls. Steel truss systems with eccentric connections
and compact members behave much better than
trusses with centre connections and slender members
[Ba 02].
18/1 Diagonal elements with broad flange cross sections have

buckled about their weak axis...
18/2 and have broken (Kobe, Japan 1995).
46
18/3 This truss structure also suffered buckling of truss elements and
many local damages (Kobe, Japan, 1995).
47
BP 19 Design steel structures to be ductile!

19
Critical zones
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
Design steel
structures to
be ductile!
ibk ETH Zrich
Steel generally possesses a good plastic deformation

capacity (strain ductility). Nevertheless steel members
and steel structures may show low ductility or even
brittle behavior under cyclic actions, particularly due to
local instabilities and failures. For example elements
with broad flanges (columns and beams) may buckle in
plastic zones or fail at welds. Therefore, certain
requirements must be complied with and addtitional
measures must be considered during the conceptual
design of the structure and the selection of the
members cross sections [Ba 02] [EC 8].
19/1 This steel frame suffered large permanent deformations. There
was probably no lateral bracing and the connection detailing was
inadequate for cyclic actions (Kobe, Japan 1995).
19/2 The bolts failed in this beam to column connection (Kobe,

Japan 1995).
48
19/3 This picture shows the failure of a typical frame connection.

The welding between the column and the beam failed, resulting in a
wide crack (Kobe, Japan 1995).
19/5 19/6 There is a wide crack at the bottom of this main frame
column in a multi-storey steel building (to the right in the upper
picture). Possible causes include the high cyclic normal loads, the
high strain rate material defects, weld defects, and thermal stresses
(Kobe, Japan 1995).
19/4 The rectangular column of this 3-storey frame structure suffered local buckling at its foot. The resulting cracking of the coating
white paint is visible (Kobe, Japan 1995).
49
BP 20 Separate adjacent buildings by joints!

20
Separate adjacent
buildings by joints!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Pounding and hammering of adjacent buildings can

cause substantial damage, if not collapse. The threat
of collapse is greatest when the floor slabs of adjacent
buildings are at different levels and hit against the
columns of the neighbouring building. In such cases
the joints must conform with the relevant design rules.
This implies the following:
1) the joints must have a certain minimum width
(specified in the building codes)
2) the joints must be empty (no contact points)
In order to enable free oscillations and avoid impact
between adjacent buildings, it is often necessary to
have a substantial joint width. As long as the structural
elements do not lose their load bearing capacity at
pounding, other solutions are also possible [EC 8].
20/1 The pounding of two similar buildings with floors at the same
levels caused damage to the faades as well as spalling etc. to the
structure (Mexico 1985).
50
20/2 Substantial damage resulted from the pounding of these two,

very different, buildings (Mexico 1985).
20/3 The modern reinforced concrete building to the left collapsed

after pounding against the older very stiff building to the right
(Mexico 1985).
20/4 The collapsed building was an extension of the older building

to the left. Either the joint width was insufficient or the buildings
were not connected properly. During the earthquake, the older
building pounded against the new one and caused its collapse
(Kobe, Japan 1995).
51
BP 21 Favour compact plan configurations!

21
unfavourable
better
Favour compact plan configurations!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
When designing a building, it is important to visualise

the dynamic behaviour of the structure as realistically
as possible. In this L-shaped building, the stiffnesses of
the two wings, respective to each principal direction,
are very different. The two wings will tend to oscillate
very differently but will also hinder each other. This
leads to large additional stresses, particularly at the
corners of the floor slabs and at the end of each wing,
and may necessitate heavy structural measures. The
problem can be avoided by separating the two wings
by a joint respecting relevant seismic design rules.
The result is two compact rectangular buildings that
are dynamically independent.
21/1 In order to allow building wings oriented orthogonally to each

other to oscillate independently, they should be separated by a
sufficiently wide and compressible joint.
52
BP 22 Use the slabs to tie in the elements and

distribute the forces!

22
unfavourable
better
Use the slabs to tie in

the elements and distribute the forces!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
In multi-storey buildings the floor slabs must be nearly

rigid diaphragms. They must be properly connected to
all the gravity load bearing elements to act as section
shape preservers (diaphragms). The slabs have to
ensure that all the vertical elements contribute to the
lateral resistance. They distribute the seismic forces and
displacements between the various vertical structural
elements according to their individual stiffness.
Slabs made of prefabricated elements are not recommended. If this solution is adopted, the floor elements
must be covered with adequately cast in place
reinforced concrete of sufficient thickness. Monolithic
reinforced concrete slabs with eventual additional
boundary reinforcement bars are much better suited to
act as diaphragms.
22/1 A corner area of this building collapsed. The slabs consisted

only of precast elements without reinforced concrete cover and
without reinforced connections to the vertical load bearing elements
(Armenia 1988).
53
22/2 22/3 In these houses also, the slabs consisted only of precast
elements, which were insufficiently connected between each other
and with the walls (Armenia 1988).
54
BP 23 Ductile structures through capacity design!

23
Ductile
structure
Fragile
structure
Failure
Ductile structures through capacity design!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Ductile (i.e. with large inelastic deformation capacity)

structures usually offer substantial advantages in comparison to similar brittle structures. Most importantly,
the required structural resistance can be reduced
bringing substantial savings and increased safety
against collapse. Whenever possible the structure of a
building should be designed to be ductile. This is also
appropriate where the structural resistance for other
reasons is so large that the design earthquake can be
accommodated within the elastic capacity range of the
structure. In this case, it is important because real
earthquakes do not read the codes (T. Paulay) and
may be substantially stronger than the design earthquake and bring the structure in its inelastic domain.
The capacity design method offers a simple and
efficient approach to ductile structural design:
The structure is told exactly where it can and should
plastify, and where not. Hence, a favourable plastic
mechanism is created. A large and predictable degree
of protection against collapse can be achieved by good
capacity design [PP 92] [Ba 02].
23/1 Static-cyclic tests on the lower part of 1:2 scale 6-storey

reinforced concrete structural walls have clearly demonstrated the
effectiveness of a ductile design [Da 99]. The capacity designed walls
achieved, at little additional cost, a seismic capacity 3 to 4 times
larger than that of walls conventionally designed according to the
Swiss building code SIA 162.
55
BP 24 Use ductile reinforcing steel with Rm/Re 1.15

and Agt 6 %!
Hysteretic Behaviour of Static-Cyclic Test Walls
24
24/1
Use ductile
reinforcing steel
with:
Rm/Re 1.15
and Agt 6 %!
Actuator force (kN)
Stress [MPa]
total elongation at
maximum tensile stress
Bending moment (kNm)
strain hardening ratio
Elongation [%]
ibk ETH Zurich
In Europe a large part of the reinforcing steel available

on the market has insufficient ductility properties, in
particular for the smaller bars with diameters up to 16
mm [BW98]. In order to ensure that reinforced
concrete structures reach an medium ductility, it is
necessary that the reinforcing steel fulfils the following
minimum requirements (fractile values):
Rm/Re 1.15
Agt 6 %
Horizontal top deflection (mm)
Horizontal top deflection (mm)

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zrich
24/1 These plastic hysteresis-curves of 2 different 6-storey reinforced

concrete structural walls with (WSH3) and without (WSH1) ductile
reinforcing steel clearly illustrate the difference in behaviour. The wall
~ 2,
with low ductility barely achieved a displacement ductility of =
~ 6. The ductile wall can therefore
while the ductile wall achieved =
survive an earthquake approximately 4 times stronger!
Designations such as reinforcing steel in accordance

with SIA building code 162 or fulfils the building
code requirements or ductile or very ductile etc.
are insufficient and misleading because the current
building codes are themselves insufficient. It is
therefore highly recommended that clear requirements
are issued at the time of the invitation to tender and
that suitable tests are made before the purchase and
implementation of the reinforcing bars.
56
Bending moment (kNm)
In reinforced concrete structures the reinforcing steel

must enable the development of sufficiently large and
deformable plastic zones. Two parameters (ductility
properties) are crucial to ensure this:
strain hardening ratio Rm/Re, i.e. the ratio between
the maximum tensile stress Rm and the yield stress Re
total elongation at maximum tensile stress Agt
The strain hardening ratio is also very important for the
buckling resistance of reinforcement bars in compression. The smaller Rm/Re, the lower the buckling
resistance [TD 01].
Actuator force (kN)
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
24/2 In this test wall, with reinforcement bars with insufficient strain
hardening ratio Rm/Re, the plastic deformations were concentrated at a
single crack (one-crack hinge according to [BW 98]). The reinforcement bars ruptured inside the wall (x) early in the test. This weakened
the relevant section and concentrated the subsequent plastic deformations in it, causing the rupture of bars located at the edge of the wall.
~2 after 2 cycles
The wall barely reached a displacement ductility =
[DW 99].
24/3 24/4 The failure of the reinforcement bars having a relatively

low Rm/Re value was initiated by their buckling in compression (left)
followed after a load reversal, by rupture in tension (right).
The rupture occurred where the reinforcement bars had experienced
the largest buckling curvature [DW 99].
57
BP 25 Use transverse reinforcement with 135 hooks and

spaced at s 5d in structural walls and columns!

25
Use transverse
reinforcement
with 135 hooks
and spaced
at s 5d in
structural walls
and columns!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Within cyclically stressed plastic zones of reinforced

concrete structural walls and columns, the concrete
cover spalls when the elastic limit of the reinforcement
is exceeded. In these zones it is therefore necessary to
stabilise the vertical bars against buckling and to confine the concrete to allow greater compressive strains.
The stabilising and confining transverse reinforcement
(hoops and ties) must be anchored with 135 hooks.
Damaging earthquakes have repeatedly illustrated that
90 hooks are insufficient. The spacing of the transverse reinforcement must be relatively small s 5d
(d = diameter of the stabilised bar). This is a consequence of the relatively poor ductility properties (small
strain hardening ratio Rm/Re) of European reinforcing
steel, which result in an unfavourable buckling behaviour [TD 01].
25/1 In this column of an industrial building made of precast

reinforced concrete elements, the hoops were too widely spaced and
insufficiently anchored with only 90hooks. They consequently
opened, allowing the vertical reinforcement to buckle (Adapazari,
Turkey 1999).
Similar rules apply to the plastic zones in frame

structures [Ba 02].
Within the zones that are to remain elastic according
to the capacity design method it is sufficient to apply
the conventional design rules.
25/2 The hoops anchorage at the foot of this column in a frame

structure also failed because the hoops only had 90 hooks (Turkey,
lzmit 1999).
Page 59
25/3 This transverse reinforcement hoops and ties at the edge of
a reinforced concrete structural wall is exemplary concerning anchorage with 135 hooks. However, the vertical spacing of the transverse
reinforcement is too large, i.e. s = 7.5d instead of s 5d as required
for steel with a relatively small strain hardening ratio (Rm/Re = 1,15)
[DW 99][TD 01].
58
BP 26 No openings or recesses in plastic zones!

26
No openings or
recesses in plastic zones!
prohibited!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
On some building sites there is a tendency to create

recesses in the structure for services, air ducts etc.,
or even larger openings for other purposes, without
consulting the civil engineer. These recesses and
openings are often inserted into the formwork of
reinforced concrete elements or even jack hammered
after concreting. The repercussions are particularly
serious when the openings are located in plastic zones.
It is necessary to avoid this practice because it can lead
to the premature failure of carefully designed critical
structural elements and therefore to serious safety
problems.
26/1 This well designed earthquake wall has been completely

ruined by recesses placed in the formwork, careless creation of
openings and brutal cutting of the reinforcement bars.
On the other hand, it is generally possible to place

recesses and even larger openings in the elastic zones
of the structure. The recesses and openings must be
well planned and positioned, and the reinforcement
around them must be strengthened eventually based
on a frame calculation [D0171].
26/2 Expensive repair work, consisting of refilling the openings with

expansive concrete and gluing steel plates restored the designed
ultimate resistance of the wall. However, it is almost impossible
to fully recover the ductile behaviour obtainable with the original
reinforcement (Switzerland 2001).
60
26/3 Here, an excessively large hole was created and the reinforcement was brutally cut. Had the engineer been consulted the pipes
could have been grouped and a much smaller hole could perhaps
have been created without weakening the reinforcement.
26/5 This type of unplanned insertion of pipes can also impair the
seismic behaviour of a reinforced concrete structural wall
(Switzerland 2001).
26/4 However, it was possible to repair the damage to a certain

extent and, in contrast to the preceding case (p. 60), to restore some
of the planned behaviour (Switzerland 2001).
26/6 Under certain conditions, it is permissible to insert openings in

elastic zones of earthquake relevant structural elements (here a
slender reinforced concrete structural wall). Careful planning with the
engineer is essential (Switzerland 2001).
61
BP 27 Secure connections in prefabricated buildings!

27
Dowel
Mobile
bearing
In addition:
secure against lateral buckling
Fixed
bearing
Secure connections in
prefabricated buildings!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The connections in prefabricated buildings are often

designed for construction gravity loads only. Such
buildings can therefore be very vulnerable to earthquakes. Short support lengths, weak or missing
dowels, and unsatisfactory overturning restraints of
girders are frequently the cause of collapse. Therefore,
mobile bearings must have a minimum support length
(bmin) in accordance with the seismic building codes,
and fixed bearings must have dowels designed for the
forces accounting for the overstrength of the plastic
zones (capacity design method). Additionally, the
beams must usually be secured against lateral
overturning movement. In case of prefabricated floors
adequately reinforced concrete cast in place must
cover and connect the floor elements in order to
guarantee a diaphragm action (see also BP 22).
27/2 and the entire roof structure collapsed (Adana-Ceyhan,

Turkey 1998).
27/1 The dowels on the column corbels of this prefabricated factory

building did not provide sufficient stability. The support area failed
and the main beams overturned (in the direction of the longitudinal
axis of the building)...
Page 63
27/3 The consequences of bad planning and insufficient design and
detailing of a prefabricated industrial building (Adapazari, Turkey 1999).
62
BP 28 Protect foundations through capacity design!

28
Protect foundations
through
capacity design!
Overstrength
To ensure that seismic forces can be transferred to the

soil it is advisable to study the force path in the
foundation structure. The allowable soil stresses under
dynamic action may be higher than the corresponding
static stresses, but care should be taken to ensure that
plastic deformations of the soil are avoided under all
circumstances [SK 97].
sectional forces
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The ability of the foundation structure to bear the

seismic actions is important for the overall earthquake
resistance of the building. Usually, cantilever walls, as
well as frame columns, rest on one or more basement
storeys (rigid box) or on a massive raft. According to
the principles of the capacity design method, the foundations should be able to transfer the overstrength
sectional forces of the plastic zones to the ground
without yielding [PB 90] [PP 92]. Foundation structures
should always remain elastic since plastic deformations
generally lead to an unpredictable behaviour and
additional displacements and stresses in the building
structure. Besides, repairs are usually substantially
more difficult to execute in the foundation than in the
building structure. The reinforcement must therefore
be strengthened directly below the plastic zones and
detailed accordingly [D0171].
28/1 Here soil anchors were installed to prevent the lift off of the
ductile reinforced concrete shear walls (Switzerland 1999).
When the foundation structure forms a rigid box made

up of reinforced concrete walls and slabs, it should be
checked that the path of compression, shear, and
tensile forces can be transferred from the plastic zones
of the structural walls through the slabs to the exterior
walls and to the raft. It may be necessary to reinforce
these structural elements (accounting for possible
recesses and openings) and to increase locally the
depth of the raft and to account for a local increase in
bearing pressure acting on the soil beneath the walls.
64
BP 29 Develop a site specific response spectrum!
Site specific response spectrum
29
Lutzelhof site
Spectral acceleration (m/s2)
Develop a site
specific
response spectrum!
29/1
EC 8, soil class B
EC 8, soil class A
EC 8, reduced for rock
Period (s)
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
In certain soils, the local ground motion parameters

and structural response may differ substantially from
the values obtained with the design response spectrum
of the building codes. This can be the case:
in soft soils with a shear wave velocity less than
approximately 200 m/s, and/or with large thicknesses
of soil layers
in certain valleys with alluvial or glacial sediments
(depth to width ratio greater than ~ 0.2).
generally in cases of suspected resonance between
soil and building
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
29/1 At the site of a building with planned base isolation

(mounted on special earthquake bearings) the grounds predominant
eigenfrequency measured in nearby drill holes was 0.65 to 0.85 Hz,
which corresponds to an eigenperiod from 1.2 to 1.5 s.
The development of a site specific response spectrum showed that
the acceleration in this period range was substantially higher than
that of the relevant building code spectrum. Hence this spectrum
was raised and for a period greater than T=1.5 s a constant displacement was assumed. In order to eliminate the possibility of resonance
= 3s
and to minimize accelerations, a target eigenperiod of T0 ~
(f0 ~
= 0.33 Hz) was selected in the seismic design with base isolators
(Switzerland 2000).
Under such conditions, the ground is likely to experience strong vibrations even for a moderate earthquake
(significant amplification of the ground shaking from
the bedrock to the surface). In such cases, it is necessary to perform a site specific investigation, especially
for important buildings. If no microzonation study has
been conducted yet, it is necessary to determine the
grounds predominant eigenfrequency and to develop
the design response spectrum valid for the local soils
parameters and layer thicknesses (acceleration and
displacement spectrum).
65
BP 30 Assess the potential for soil liquefaction!

30
Assess the potential for soil liquefaction!

Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
Certain sandy or silty soils saturated with water can

display a sufficient static load-bearing capacity. However, when vibrated, such as during an earthquake, they
will suddenly behave like a liquid. Entire buildings or
sections thereof may sink, or tilt if the soil is inhomogeneous or unequally liquefied, often leading to total
collapse. Sandy or silty soils must therefore be studied
for their liquefaction potential. Counter measures such
as consolidation by injections, pile foundations etc.
can be necessary.
30/1 This building sank evenly about 1 m due to soil liquefaction.
The displaced soil caused a bulge in the road (Izmit, Turkey 1999).
30/2 This inclined building sank unevenly and leans against a neighbouring building (Turkey, lzmit 1999).
66
30/3 This solid building tilted as a rigid body and the raft foundation
rises above ground. The building itself suffered only relatively minor
damage (Adapazari, Turkey 1999).
30/4 This tank also tilted due to the liquefaction of the sandy
artificial landfill (Kobe, Japan 1995).
67
BP 31 Softening may be more beneficial than

strengthening!

31
Strengthening
Acceleration
Softening
Relative
displacement
Frequency
Softening may be
more beneficial than
strengthening!
Frequency
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
When designing the seismic improvement of existing or

planned buildings, many architects and civil engineers
think of strengethening them, i.e. increasing their lateral
resistance. A strengthening always stiffens the building,
thereby raising the eigenfrequencies. Under certain conditions however, it may prove more beneficial to soften a
structure rather than to strengthen/stiffen it [Ba 01]. By
installing special horizontal relatively soft seismic bearings
above the foundation (base isolation), a frequency shift
towards the lower area of the design response spectrum
can be achieved. As a result, and because damping is
usually also increased, a significant reduction of the seismic
forces and thereby the damage potential is achieved.
However, relative displacements increase notably, which
requires sufficient clearance around the isolated buildings.
In addition service pipes must be sufficiently flexible.
31/1 A softening strategy was implemented to seismically improve

this 700 t liquid gas industrial tank carried by a reinforced concrete
structure (Switzerland 1999).
31/2 Seismic high damping rubber bearings (60 cm diameter, 30 cm

high) were incorporated into the eight reinforced concrete columns.
Page 69
31/3 The acceleration and displacement design response spectra
illustrate the combined effect of the reduction of the fundamental
frequency to ~0.5 Hz and of the increase in damping.
68
Design spectra for industrial tank
Acceleration (m/S )
Frequency shifted due to base isolation
Increase in damping
Frequency (Hz)
Displacement (mm)
Frequency shifted due to base isolation
Increase in damping
Frequency (Hz)
= 5%
= 8%
Spectrum for medium-stiff soil according to SIA 160
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
= 5%
ibk ETH Zrich
BP 32 Anchor facade elements against horizontal forces!

32
Anchor facade
elements against
horizontal forces!
insufficient
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
better
ibk ETH Zurich
The facade elements anchoring is frequently designed

for vertical gravity loads only. Often facade elements
simply rest on corbels and are lightly fixed at the top.
During earthquakes, the friction from the dead loads
can be overcome by horizontal and vertical accelerations. The collapse of facade elements and the
resulting threat to pedestrians, vehicles, etc. becomes
inevitable. The facade elements anchoring must
therefore be designed and detailed not only for gravity
loads but also for horizontal cyclic forces (tension /
compression). Additionally, the anchorages and
possible connections between the facade elements
should be able to follow the expected deformations
of the structure.
32/1 The structure of this building did not collapse, but heavy and
insufficiently anchored facade panels fell to the ground (Kobe, Japan
1995).
32/2 These light concrete panels, cladding an only slightly damaged

steel structure, were also destroyed (Kobe, Japan 1995).
70
32/3 This facade cladding was insufficiently anchored and could not
follow the deformations of the reinforced concrete frame structure
(Northridge, California 1994).
32/4 A glance into this side street reveals a vast amount of fallen
facade materials. Rescue work, fire trucks access, etc. is seriously
hampered (Kobe, Japan 1995).
71
BP 33 Anchor free standing parapets and walls!

33
Horizontal
seismic force
Anchor free
standing parapets
and walls!
Overturning
moment
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
An overturning moment occurs under rapid horizontal

displacements and corresponding inertia forces. Unless
they are adequately anchored or fixed, slender
elements may tip over.
33/2 and the cornice and parapet damaged the overhanging

roof panel when they fell (Loma Prieta, California 1989).
33/3 Cantilever walls not anchored in the foundation can tip over
(Kobe, Japan, 1995).
33/1 This neo-classic reinforced concrete building did not suffer
large damage and even the window-panes remained intact. However, the parapet on the roof terrace turned over
Page 73
33/4 These dry stone garden walls also turned over (Northridge,
California, 1994).
72
BP 34 Fasten suspended ceilings and light fittings!

34
Fasten suspended
ceilings and
light fittings!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
The fall of suspended ceilings and light fittings can

present a serious danger to people. As well as the
dead load, the connections must be able to safely carry
the forces from vertical and horizontal accelerations
and vibrations. The same applies to the fixings of air
ducts and service pipes of all kinds, which are installed
between suspended ceilings and structural floor slabs.
34/2 that hang from thin wires only constitute a safety threat to
people (Northridge, California 1994).
34/1 Suspended ceilings and ceiling panels
34/3 34/4 Poorly fastened light fittings, such as these, can fall and
endanger people (San Fernando, California 1971).
74
BP 35 Fasten installations and equipment!

35
Fasten installations
and equipment!
Prof. Hugo Bachmann
ibk ETH Zurich
It is very important to guarantee the integrity of installations and equipment that must remain operational after a
strong earthquake, including equipment outside the
building, on roofs etc. This concerns primarily lifeline
structures which are vital for rescue operations and recovery (buildings of class III according to SIA 160), such as hospitals, main pharmacies, fire-fighting facilities, operational
command centres, communication installations etc. It can
also include industrial facilities whose business interruption
would cause significant financial losses. All installations
and equipments such as pipelines, water fire sprinklers,
laboratory instruments, containers, cabinets, shelving units
etc. and if necessary also production lines must be systematically examined for seismic adequacy. If necessary they
must be secured by means of suitable fixings or bracings.
35/2 Containers and machines can tilt if they are not sufficiently
anchored (Kobe, Japan 1995).
35/3 In this chemistry laboratory, unsecured glass containers broke

when they fell from the table and through open cabinet doors (San
Fernando, California 1971).
35/1 Pipelines especially of large diameter are very vulnerable unless

they are adequately fastened (San Fernando, California 1971).
75
35/4 Filing cabinets can tip over, particularly if the drawers are not
secured (Morgan Hill, California 1984).
35/6 Because books represent a considerable mass, strong anchorage and bracing of the shelves in both main directions is necessary
(Whittier Narrows, California 1987).
35/7 Well-secured battery groups and emergency power generators

can guarantee a power supply, even after a strong earthquake
(California 1980).
35/5 Open bookshelves empty themselves at each strong earthquake. Valuable books can be secured by the use of retaining bars or
inclined shelves (Loma Prieta, California 1989).
76
35/8 These valuable bottles in a liquor store were secured by

spring wires (California 1978).
35/9 And even storage frames for wine barrels can be tested on an
earthquake simulator (shaking table) (Berkeley 2000).
77
Illustration credits
The photographs and figures come from the following

persons and institutions:
Walter Ammann, Davos: 11/2, 20/1, 20/2, 20/3
Hugo Bachmann, Zrich: Schematic figure 1 and 3 to
35, E/1, E/2, 1/1, 1/2, 2/1, 2/2, 4/9, 4/10, 6/1, 7/1, 8/1,
8/2, 9/1, 9/3, 9/4, 10/1, 12/1, 12/2, 12/3, 12/4, 12/5,
15/1, 15/2, 15/3, 17/6, 21/1, 25/1, 26/1, 26/3, 26/5,
26/6, 27/3, 31/3
Marc Badoux, Lausanne: 30/1
Alessandro Dazio, San Diego CA: Cover photograph
with rebars, 9/2, 23/1, 24/1, 24/2, 24/3, 24/4, 25/3
Martin Koller, Carouge: 28/1, 29/1
Pierino Lestuzzi, Lausanne: 4/2, 4/3, 11/3, 11/4, 17/2,
17/3, 17/4, 17/5, 25/2, 30/2
Eberhard Luz, Stuttgart: 14/1, 22/1, 22/2, 22/3
Roland Madry, Basel: 31/1
Paul Missbauer, Sion: 31/2
Kaspar Peter, Lausanne: 14/2
Meta Sozen, Illinois: 30/3
Dieter Wepf, Flawil: 11/1, 16/3
Thomas Wenk, Zrich: Cover phtograph with buildings, shematic figure 2, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6, 4/7, 4/8, 5/2,
5/3, 6/2, 6/3, 6/4, 6/5, 6/6, 13/6, 13/7, 14/3, 16/2,
27/1, 27/2, 30/4, 32/1, 32/4
Architectural Institute of Japan: 5/1, 18/1, 18/2, 18/3,
19/1, 19/2, 19/3, 19/4, 19/5, 19/6, 20/4, 32/2, 32/3,
33/3
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Oakland
CA: Cover photograph with pipes, 16/1, 32/3, 33/1,
33/2, 33/4, 34/1, 34/2, 34/3, 34/4, 35/1, 35/2, 35/3,
35/4, 35/5, 35/6, 35/7, 35/8
Losinger AG, Lyssach BE: 13/4, 13/5
Munich Re Group: Schematic figure E/3
Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center,
Berkeley CA: 35/9
Swiss brick industry, Zrich: 13/1, 13/2, 13/3
Stahlton AG, Zrich: 26/2, 26/4
NN.: 4/1, 13/8, 17/1
78
Bibliography
[Ba 02]
[Ba 01]
[BW 98]
[DW 99]
[D0150]
[D0171]
[EC 8]
[La 02]
[MR 00]
Bachmann H.: Erdbebensicherung von

Bauwerken. 2. Auflage. Birkhuser Verlag
Basel Boston Berlin 2002.
Bachmann H.: Softening as Seismic
Upgrading Strategy Requirements and
Case Studies. Proceedings 20th European
Regional Earthquake Engineering Seminar
Sion, September 3-7, 2001. Swiss Society for
Seismic Engineering and Structural Dynamics
SGEB, Sion 2001.
Bachmann H., Wenk T.: Ungengende
Duktilitt beim Bewehrungsstahl. Schweizer
Ingenieur und Architekt, Heft 29, Juli 1998.
Dazio A., Wenk T., Bachmann H.: Versuche
an Stahlbetontragwnden unter zyklisch-statischer Einwirkung. Institut fr Baustatik
und Konstruktion (IBK), ETH Zrich. Bericht
Nr. 239, Birkhuser Verlag Basel Boston
Berlin 1999.
Bachmann H., Darbre G.R., Deichmann N.,
Koller M.G., Studer J., Tini S., Tissires P.,
Wenk Th., Wieland M., Zwicky P.: Handlungsbedarf von Behrden, Hochschulen,
Industrie und Privaten zur Erdbebensicherung der Bauwerke in der Schweiz.
Documentation SGEB/SIA D0150, Socit
suisse des ingnieurs et architectes, Zurich
1998.
Bachmann H., Dazio A., Bruchez P., Mittaz
X., Peruzzi R., Tissires P.: Erdbebengerechter Entwurf und Kapazittsbemessung
eines Gebudes mit Stahlbetontragwnden. Documentation SGEB/SIA D0171,
Socit suisse des ingnieurs et architectes,
Zurich 2002.
Eurocode 8 (Norm): Design of structures for
earthquake resistance. Norm SIA
V160.811/812/813 as European prestandard
ENV 1998-1-1/-2/-3. Swiss society of engineers and architects, Zurich 1997.
Lang K.: Seismic Vulnerability of Existing
Buildings. Institut fr Baustatik und Konstruktion (IBK), ETH Zrich. Birkhuser Verlag
Basel Boston Berlin 2002.
Munich Re Group: Topics 2000: Natural
Catastrophes The current position.
Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft.
Mnchen 1999.
[PB 90]
Paulay T., Bachmann H., Moser K.:

Erdbebenbemessung von Stahlbetonhochbauten. Birkhuser Verlag Basel
Boston Berlin 1990.
[PP 92] Paulay T., Priestley M.J.N.: Seismic Design of
Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures. John Wiley & Sons, New York 1992.
[Sc 00] Schumacher R.: Zur rechtlichen Verantwortung fr die Erdbebensicherung von Bauwerken . Documentation SGEB/SIA D0162
Erdbebenvorsorge in der Schweiz
Massnahmen bei neuen und bestehenden
Bauwerken, Socit suisse des ingnieurs et
architectes, Zurich 2000.
[SIA 160] SIA 160 (norme): Actions on Structures.
Swiss society of engineers and architects,
Zurich 1989.
[SK 97] Studer J., Koller M.G.: Erdbebengerechter
Entwurf und Kapazittsbemessung eines
Gebudes mit Stahlbetontragwnden.
Documentation SGEB/SIA D0171, Socit
suisse des ingnieurs et architectes, Zurich
2002.
[TD 01] Thiele K., Dazio A., Bachmann H.:
Bewehrungsstahl unter zyklischer
Beanspruchung. Institut fr Baustatik und
Konstruktion (IBK), ETH Zrich. Bericht Nr.
264, Birkhuser Verlag Basel Boston Berlin
2001.
79
Contacts / Links
http://www.bwg.admin.ch
Federal Office for Water and Geology
Coordination Centre for Earthquake Risk Mitigation
Lndtestrasse 20
CH-2501 Bienne
Switzerland
http://www.eda.admin.ch
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Freiburgstrasse 30
CH-3003 Bern
Switzerland
http://www.uvek.admin.ch
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport,
Energy and Communications
Generalsekretariat UVEK
Kochergasse 10
CH-3003 Bern
Switzerland
http://www.ibk.baug.ethz.ch
Institute of Structural Engineering,
Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
ETH Hnggerberg
CH-8093 Zrich
http://seismo.ethz.ch/gshap/
Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program
http://www.eqnet.org
Earthquake Information Network
http://www.munichre.com/pdf/topics_sh2000_e.pdf
Munich Re Group
Topics 2000 : Natural catastrophes
The current position
http://www.eeri.org
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
http://www.world-housing.net/about/abouttp.asp
World Housing Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of Housing Construction Types in
Seismically Prone Areas
http://www.iaee.or.jp/
International Association for Earthquake Engineering
80
Appendix
Global Seismic Hazard MAP

Produced by the Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program (GSHAP),
a demonstration project of the UN/International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction, conducted by
the international Lithosphere Program.
Global map assembled by D. Giardini, G. Grnthal, K. Shedlock, and P. Zhang
81

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Seismic Conceptual

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Seismic Conceptual Design of Buildings Basic principles

for engineers, architects, building owners,

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Seismic Conceptual Design of Buildings Basic principles

Swiss Federal Office for Water and Geology

Hugo Bachmann: Seismic Conceptual Design of

Brotbeck Corporate Design, Biel

Order Number: 804.802 e

BBL, Vertrieb Publikationen, CH-3003 Bern,

BWG, Biel, 2003

Prof. Hugo Bachmann

taken into account by the design professionals, thus

Biel, December 2002

Basic principles for engineers, architects, building owners, and authorities

What happens during an earthquake?

The most important natural risk

The seismic risk keeps increasing

Urgent action is needed

The architect and the engineer collaborate from the outset!

Follow the seismic provisions of the building codes!

No significant additional cost thanks to modern methods!

Avoid soft-storey ground floors!

Avoid soft-storey upper floors!

Avoid asymmetric bracing!

Avoid bracing offsets!

Discontinuities in stiffness and resistance cause problems!

Two slender reinforced concrete structural walls in each

BP 10 Avoid mixed systems with columns and structural masonry walls!

BP 11 Avoid bracing of frames with masonry infills!

BP 12 Brace masonry buildings with reinforced concrete structural walls!

BP 13 Reinforce structural masonry walls to resist horizontal actions!

BP 14 Match structural and non-structural elements!

BP 15 In skeleton structures, separate non-structural masonry walls by joints! 40

BP 17 Avoid partially infilled frames!

Basic principles for engineers, architects, building owners, and authorities

BP 18 Design diagonal steel bracing carefully!

BP 19 Design steel structures to be ductile!

BP 20 Separate adjacent buildings by joints!

BP 21 Favour compact plan configurations!

BP 23 Ductile structures through capacity design!

BP 24 Use ductile reinforcing steel with: Rm/Re 1.15 and Agt 6 %!

BP 25 Use transverse reinforcement with 135 hooks and spaced

BP 26 No openings or recesses in plastic zones!

BP 27 Secure connections in prefabricated buildings!

BP 28 Protect foundations through capacity design!

BP 29 Develop a site specific response spectrum!

BP 30 Assess the potential for soil liquefaction!

BP 31 Softening may be more beneficial than strengthening!

BP 32 Anchor facade elements against horizontal forces!

BP 33 Anchor free standing parapets and walls!

BP 34 Fasten suspended ceilings and light fittings!

BP 35 Fasten installations and equipment!

Appendix: Global Seismic Hazard MAP

Basic principles for engineers, architects, building owners, and authorities

This document offers a broad outline of the art of

The basic principles (BP) are grouped according to the

The basic principles are intentionally simple. Calculations

Basic principles for engineers, architects, building owners, and authorities

What happens during an earthquake?

What happens during an earthquake?

Time history of ground motion parameters

Structural (Building) response:

ibk ETH Zurich

In an earthquake, seismic waves arise from sudden